America 250 Celebration: The Writing of the Declaration of Independence

Saturday, April 25, 1 p.m.

Harding Museum, 302 Park Ave., Franklin

Speaker: Doug Roush

Learn more about the document, the authors, the penmanship, and maybe even a few secrets about one of our country's most famous documents.

Doug Roush of Indianapolis has a master's in education and specializes in art, history, and historic penmanship. Doug has presented at Colonial Williamsburg; St. George Tucker House; Adams County Historical Museum in Gettysburg, PA; and Fort Ligonier, PA.

Doug has received acknowledgments from the Sons of the American Revolution, Steven Taylor Award for youth education, The Daughters of the American Revolution 250th Commendation, and The Sons of American Revolution Youth Education Award, which is Indiana's highest award for historical presentation.

Facebook event link https://www.facebook.com/share/1Aoh9SNuF9/

FAHS Member Meeting: April 25, 12:40 p.m.

Members: Please plan to attend a brief but IMPORTANT member meeting at 12:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Harding Museum immediately preceding the Doug Roush presentation.

We will be voting on changes to our bylaws. Watch your email for an explanation of the proposed bylaws changes.

Plant Sale: May 9



We had such a bloomin' good time at our previous two plant sales that we've decided to do one every year! 

This year's sale is just in time for Mother's Day gifts: Sat., May 9, 10 to 3, at the Harding Museum, 302 Park Ave. New this year: hanging baskets!

You can help! We'd love your donations of houseplants, perennial divisions, bulbs, outdoor plants, vegetable plants, herbs, garden decor, etc.

Drop off dates and times: May 1, 10 to 6; May 2, Noon to 3; May 8, 10 to 6.

All proceeds support the operations of the Society. We accept cash, check, PayPal, CC, and Venmo.

America 250 Ohio - Northwest Warren County

Regional plans for the America 250 celebration are underway. Stay up to date on the happenings by joining the Facebook group: Northwest Warren County Celebrates America-250.

Current plans include a logo contest for students in grades 6-12; the Doug Roush speaker on April 25; a home and business decorating contest; the 4th of July Parade; cemetery tours focused on historic figures from the Civil War era and others; speakers from the Ohio History Connection and the Myaamia Center at Miami University, and more. This is not a definitive list.

Questions? Call (937) 746-8295.

Recap: Benefit Auction and Trivia

Our annual trivia event and benefit auction were great successes! Thank you to everyone who supported us! These are annual events for FAHS, so mark your calendars for early next year.

The best way to stay up to date with our events is to follow our Facebook page.

Memberships and Donations

Thank you to our new and renewing members. This information reflects electronic payments only. The next newsletter will include a complete list. Tom Wiggershaus (new life member), Craig Kellis, Tim Fealy, Brent Centers, Nancy Sharts-Hopko.

Thank you for recent donations and memorial gifts from: Carolyn Brockhorst, Katie Trout, Richard Robinson, Nancy Sharts-Hopko, and Buddy's Garden (trivia sponsor).

Have you renewed or would you like to join? It's easy to do it online!

2026 Officers and Directors

President: Diana Buchanan-Lovett

Vice President: Steve Peters

Secretary: Tom Wiggershaus

Treasurer: Robin Kendrick

Membership secretary: Kaylee Raines

Past President: Peggy Darragh-Jeromos

Directors: Robyn Donisi, Ron Edwards, Janet Pursley Hollingsworth, Ben Kendrick, Mary Nenninger, and Kristy Kinder York.

Museum manager: Julie Kellis. Julie is the contact for anything related to either museum. To reach her, call (937) 746-8295 or email franklinohhistory@gmail.com.

Museums' Hours

The Harding Museum is open on Friday from 10 to 3. Come see us!

The Log Post Office will be open starting in late spring.

Admission to both museums is free, thanks to a generous donation from one of our members.

Watch our Facebook page for news about our hours.

Kroger Rewards!



Kroger shoppers: The Kroger Family of Companies is committed to community engagement, positive social impact, and charitable giving at the national and local levels.

One of the ways Kroger does this is via the Kroger Community Rewards program. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping you do every day. Please consider linking your card to Franklin Area Historical Society. Once you link your Card to FAHS, all you have to do is shop at Kroger and swipe your Shopper’s Card.  

Read more here about how to sign up.

Free admission!

There is no charge to visit either the Harding Museum or the Log Post Office, thanks to a generous, anonymous donation.